The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
stellagramina's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not crazy about this book. It reminds me of a mix of X-Men and Spiderman, with a tiny bit of Harry Potter and a dash of Ocean's Eleven. That sounds nice in theory-and the idea behind the book could be pretty cool, but the characters were flat and the writing was a little bland. There are some funny and intriguing parts peppered in there, but I was underwhelmed overall.
kindlereads's review against another edition
2.0
I only read this for Cody. I can see the points that Cody likes, a perfectly loving mom, a dad who is proud of him and having to constantly change schools. It was a science fiction boy version of the Twilight series so pre teen geared plot, vocabulary and characters.
sarahannkateri's review against another edition
2.0
Boy with electrical powers has a crush on cheerleader who also happens to have electrical powers. Evil corporation kidnaps boy's mom and cheerleader. Action ensues.
I don't know why this is considered a teen book, unless Evans thinks teens are complete morons. Not only do the characters act much younger than their stated ages, but the entire book is over-explained and unsubtle, because apparently the author has no faith in his audience being able to understand things unless they are explicitly spelled out. Newsflash, Evans: "show, don't tell" applies to teen fiction too.
Even leaving that aside, this is just not a great book. The characters and situations are almost comically stereotypical and cliche (bully is mean because he has a hard life! goth girl is outcast who likes to hurt people! smart kid is fat and nerdy! I could go on...) and the situations are ridiculously contrived and convenient - almost insultingly so. There's also a ton of extraneous detail (why was it important to tell the reader that the narrator wanted macaroni and cheese but wasn't sure he had the ingredients, but then it turned out he did have the ingredients, so he made macaroni and cheese? does the reader really need to know which direction the characters turned on Rodeo Drive and a list of the stores they walked past? hint: no, the reader does not.)
So why 2 stars instead of 1? Because I read an interview with the author saying he tries to write for non-readers, and on that level, he succeeds. Many of the things that make this a crappy choice for a discriminating reader make it a good choice for a reluctant reader. I think tween guys and girls who like action or sci fi movies, but who aren't big readers would enjoy this one.
I don't know why this is considered a teen book, unless Evans thinks teens are complete morons. Not only do the characters act much younger than their stated ages, but the entire book is over-explained and unsubtle, because apparently the author has no faith in his audience being able to understand things unless they are explicitly spelled out. Newsflash, Evans: "show, don't tell" applies to teen fiction too.
Even leaving that aside, this is just not a great book. The characters and situations are almost comically stereotypical and cliche (bully is mean because he has a hard life! goth girl is outcast who likes to hurt people! smart kid is fat and nerdy! I could go on...) and the situations are ridiculously contrived and convenient - almost insultingly so. There's also a ton of extraneous detail (why was it important to tell the reader that the narrator wanted macaroni and cheese but wasn't sure he had the ingredients, but then it turned out he did have the ingredients, so he made macaroni and cheese? does the reader really need to know which direction the characters turned on Rodeo Drive and a list of the stores they walked past? hint: no, the reader does not.)
So why 2 stars instead of 1? Because I read an interview with the author saying he tries to write for non-readers, and on that level, he succeeds. Many of the things that make this a crappy choice for a discriminating reader make it a good choice for a reluctant reader. I think tween guys and girls who like action or sci fi movies, but who aren't big readers would enjoy this one.
smalefowles's review against another edition
3.0
- quick read
- flat characterization
- ridiculous logic
- Tourette's representation
- squeaky-clean and pretty cringe
I'm going to put it on my list for struggling readers, but they might find it too cringe.
- flat characterization
- ridiculous logic
- Tourette's representation
- squeaky-clean and pretty cringe
I'm going to put it on my list for struggling readers, but they might find it too cringe.
sarah_bsnt's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
kstring's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness! This book was absolutely gripping! I got sucked in and couldn't put it down. Took me 24 hours to read it. The plot is gripping, giving you new twists and turns in each chapter. Not your usual story line. It's not very predictable. Like I said, new twists and turns in each chapter. This book is just full of surprises. A must read for everyone. I've read it, and I know some 30 year olds that have read it and loved it, too.
leannaaker's review against another edition
5.0
What a fun teen sci fi/fantasy book! I'll definitely follow this series. This is the tale of a boy with special powers who discovers he is not alone in his gift. The truth about how he came to have his power (absorbing electricity and being able to shock others) is a devilish one, and involves a fierce battle toward the end of the book.
The book is paced well, and I found myself almost finishing the whole book in one sitting. Good stuff!
The book is paced well, and I found myself almost finishing the whole book in one sitting. Good stuff!
misspearch's review against another edition
2.0
There were parts of this book that were exciting, but lots of it was very much like Percy Jackson. I was interested for the 1st two thirds, then what was supposed to be the big climax just seemed to lose steam. Its more a middle grade read than young adult, but if you have a 10-13 year old reader in your life, I suspect they will tear through it and be begging for the next part.
davidseverns's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This series is a better-done Percy Jackson in my opinion.
mkhaas29's review against another edition
4.0
I don't remember when or why I put this on my to-read list, but when it became available for audiobook download, I figured why not. Clearly this was meant for a younger audience, but for what it was, I enjoyed it. I appreciated the extent of the science rationale that went into it (admittedly, I have no idea if it's accurate or realistic, but I bought it), and enjoyed all the various ways electricity manifested for each kid's powers. It was fast-paced, engaging, and exciting. I'd recommend for any younger readers looking for an adventure.